The person has tried to stop picking many times without long-term success.

The picking causes the individual a lot of distress and can interfere with work, social or other important activities of living.

The skin picking is not caused by another psychological problem effect of substance, a medical condition like scabies.

The person picking will not be suffering from another mental disorder including delusions, tactile hallucinations of a psychotic disorder, attempts to improve or perfect an perceived defect or flaw in their appearance like in body dysmorphic disorder.

The most commonly picked places include: Face, arms and hands. Picking can, however, be done on any part of the body or multiple places on the body. Picking often occurs in areas with skin differences like pimples, scabs, cuticles, calluses or previously picked areas.

People most often pick using their fingers or fingernails but also use tools like tweezers, pins or other items. Individuals with skin picking disorder can also compulsively rub, bite, squeeze or lance their skin.

An individual often spends a good deal of time picking up to several hours daily. The picking may have been present for months or years.

The truth is that we all pick our skin from time to time. Skin picking disorder is different and a problem primarily because of the significant preoccupation with picking and the distress both psychologically and to a person’s ability to manage their life effectively.

People who suffer with skin picking are often found to suffer with trichotillomania, (hair pulling) depression and obsessive compulsive disorder concurrently.

As many as 1 in 20 people may suffer skin picking disorder and it appears to effect women more frequently but effects men as well. The onset can occur in childhood and adulthood. We do not actually know what cause skin picking at present.

There is evidence to support CBT cognitive behavioral therapy and ACT acceptance and commitment therapy may help with skin picking disorder. Research report that SSRI’s ( selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors) also may help.

People suffering skin picking disorder often do not know that treatment is available. Their problems continue for years causing emotional, physical and social problems. The picking may fuel depression, and create mild to severe pain after an episode. When severe it can lead to disfigurement, repeated infections or in the most extreme cases require surgery.

If you or someone you know is suffering with skin picking disorder near Philadelphia, Montgomery County or the Main Line, please contact me for an evaluation. Best to you. May you be well. Below are two websites for you to do more research if you like: